Tia Seu Lupe: Ancient Pigeon-Catching Mounds

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Explore ancient Samoan traditions at Tia Seu Lupe, a historical site featuring restored star mounds used for the sport of pigeon catching.

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Tia Seu Lupe

Tia Seu Lupe is a historical site in Tafuna, American Samoa, featuring restored star mounds. These stone structures were once platforms for the Samoan chiefly sport of pigeon catching. Visitors can explore the site and learn about this ancient tradition.

A brief summary to Tia Seu Lupe

M799+W22, Tafuna, Western District, AS

Local tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site may require some walking on uneven surfaces.
Bring a camera to capture the architecture and surrounding landscapes.

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Getting There

Walking

Tia Seu Lupe is located near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville. From the cathedral, walk towards the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center; the historical park is adjacent to it. The site is behind a statue of St. Mary.
Public Transport

If arriving by bus from other parts of Tutuila, take a local 'aiga' bus to Tafuna. Buses heading towards the airport or western villages will typically pass near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral. Alight at a convenient bus stop near the cathedral and walk to the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center. Bus fares are typically around $2.50 or less, depending on the distance traveled.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Tafuna. Negotiate a fare with the driver to the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville. From there, walk to the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center. A short taxi ride within Tafuna should cost approximately $8-$10, depending on the starting point and traffic conditions. Ensure the taxi has a 'T' or 'TA' on the license plate to confirm it's a licensed taxi.

Discover more about Tia Seu Lupe

Tia Seu Lupe, meaning "earthen mound to catch pigeons," is an ancient historical site located in Tafuna, American Samoa. This site features restored star mounds, which are stone structures believed to have been platforms used for the chiefly sport of pigeon catching. For centuries, pigeon-snaring was a popular activity among Samoan chiefs, who used these mounds to practice netting their prized, feathered catch. The Tia Seu Lupe Historic Monument was dedicated in May 1990 and is maintained by the American Samoa Department of Parks and Recreation. The restored pigeon-catching mound resembles the later marae of Eastern Polynesia. Visitors can observe the two distinct tiers of the ancient structure from a viewing platform. Tia Seu Lupe is located near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville, within a historical park adjacent to the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center. The park is also next to the only patch of lowland rainforest still found on Tutuila Island. Today, Tia Seu Lupe serves as a tourist attraction and a gathering place for locals, fostering a sense of community and connection to their roots. Informative displays provide context and insight into the historical events that shaped the region, enhancing the visitor experience.